Understanding Solar Eclipses

What is a total solar eclipse?

• When the Moon completely blocks the Sun

• When the Earth blocks the Sun

• When the Moon and Sun align on opposite sides of the Earth

• When the Sun completely blocks the Moon

What ancient civilization described the eclipse as the sun being eaten by a dragon?

• The Romans

• The Egyptians

• The Mayans

• The Chinese

What historical evidence suggests eclipses have been observed for thousands of years?

• Records in China

• Ancient scrolls

• Cave paintings

• Stonehenge alignments

How often do solar eclipses occur on Earth?

• Every 6 months

• About every 18 months

• Every 24 months

• Once a year

When is the next total solar eclipse after 2017 in the US?

• 2021

• 2022

• 2023

• 2024

What advice does Mark Schuler give to first-time eclipse viewers?

• To ignore safety precautions

• To do their homework and check weather predictions

• To use regular sunglasses

• To watch it on TV

What phenomenon might you experience during a total solar eclipse?

• You can see stars at noon

• Rainbows appear around the sun

• It gets warmer

• Cricket sounds start as it gets darker

How did Mark Schuler suggest preparing for the eclipse?

• By meditating

• By sleeping early the night before

• By checking weather forecasts continuously

• By buying a new camera

What is the 'path of totality'?

• A path where the eclipse is partially visible

• The trajectory of the Moon around the Earth

• A path where the eclipse is not visible

• A path about 100 miles wide with full eclipse visibility

What is not a feature of the path of totality?

• Complete darkness

• Visibility of the solar corona

• A drop in temperature

• It covers the entire Earth